Category Archives: questions to ask wedding venue

Looking for the right wedding venue is an important (crazy important!) part of wedding planning. It’s the backdrop for every decision and every photo opp. Because it’s such a big decision, it’s also a choice you want to get right—and probably have a million questions about. We’ve tried to answer as many of those questions here (and would be more than happy to answer others via email or Facebook).

What questions should I ask my wedding venue?

As you screen potential wedding venues, make sure you ask questions that can help you make sure all the boxes are checked on your venue checklist. Always tour your venue (in person or ask someone you trust) because online pictures can be misleading. Ask your wedding venue staff these questions before the tour (and take their answers to heart).

Is the date of my wedding available? Or are there any dates available around this date/month?

What is cost of your venue? What does that amount cover? Are there are any additional fees (i.e. overtime fees, surcharges, etc.)?

How many can your venue accommodate?

Do you offer wedding planning if we need it?

Is there parking available? What is the cost of parking?

Are multiple events held at the same time at your venue?

What is your venue policy? Can I bring in a vendor of my choice?

Do you have space for the ceremony and reception? (If you need space for both.)

What is your alcoholic beverage policy? Do you provide servers?

Is your venue wheelchair accessible?

Does your venue provide staff? Is there a staff member I can touch base with on my wedding day (in case of issues)?

Do you have liability insurance? (Covers you in case of an on-site injury.)

Venues that do not have an open vendor policy have a list of select vendors that you can use during your wedding planning. For example, they have a list of caterers that you have to choose from or an in-house caterer you have to use.

How can I make sure that my wedding venue expenses fall within my budget?

Like the old fairy tale, the right wedding venue is not too big and not too small. Once you have used compiled a tentative guest list, use that number to choose the right-sized wedding venue. When you interview your venue, ask the wedding venue staff about their maximum capacity—and make sure you don’t exceed that number. A maximum capacity is set in place for the safety of your guests.

If you choose a large wedding venue and only invite a few guests, your venue is going to look empty. The opposite decision can backfire as well; a wedding venue crammed full can send your wedding guests to the door because they are uncomfortable and feel crammed in.